Published in the June 10-23, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Robert Airoldi
Robert Airoldi
Xuan Nguyen, Eliza Martin and Tiffany Lam with their ribbons in front of their project. Photo courtesy Britton Principal Glen Webb
Congratulations to Xuan Nguyen, Eliza Martin and Tiffany Lam, three outstanding Britton Middle School science students who went up against 500 students and placed second with their technical research paper in the Northern California Math, Engineering and Science Achievement’s prosthetic arm competition at Chico State April 25.
MESA provides a hands-on experience to stimulate student interest in math, engineering, and science. Britton has been eager to implement this for student enrichment opportunities. The students’ project entailed designing and making a prosthetic arm for less than $50. Besides submitting a 20-page tech paper, they developed a science presentation board and competed in dexterity tasks.
Britton Principal Glen Webb told us he’s “overjoyed” to see up to 100 students participate in the school’s extended day science program. “But also now to see students and staff embrace the opportunity to the extent they are producing state competition level work is very exciting,” he said.
With science-minded kids like those at Britton, our future is in good hands. Good job, student scientists! To view the paper, visit www.morganhilllife.com.
TO READ THE BRITTON SCHOOL WINNING TECHNICAL PAPER FOR THE MESA COMPETITION, CLICK HERE
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Fire Marshall Dwight Good asked us to remind Morgan Hill Life readers that with Independence Day celebrations coming up, no person can buy, sell or use any type of common fireworks in Morgan Hill and unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. Violators might face penalties of up to $1,000 or six months in jail. And individuals who start fires are liable for restitution of damaged property and for the costs of fire departments to respond to the blaze.
“If it has to be lit, it is an illegal firework,” Good said. “The personal use of fireworks poses a real hazard given the current drought conditions where high fire danger is expected to continue throughout the year, especially in and near the foothills.”
We encourage Morgan Hill and South Valley residents to enjoy a safe and free Fourth of July public fireworks show at the Outdoor Sports Center on the evening of July 4. And if someone sees individuals using illegal fireworks, they should call (408) 779-4111 to report the violators.
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Jennie Tucker, the city’s community services supervisor, told us about the brand-new summer event put on by the city at Galvan Park. The Summer Fun in the Park program is a free event that will take place on three evenings — June 24, July 22, and Aug. 26 — starting at 6 p.m. and going until about sunset. Each evening will have a theme, with the first being recreation, fitness and nutrition night, the second being public safety night, and the third being community resource and health night.
“The idea is to encourage people to come to Galvan Park for a positive recreation experience,” Tucker said. “We’ll have fun activities, health resources, we’ll have some food, DJs and music. It’s open to everyone and it’s free and there’s no registration. We’re just asking people to come out. We’re just trying to get people to discover Galvan Park.”
For more details, call (408) 782-0008.
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A valuable resource for seniors began this month as Sourcewise announced its annual delivery of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Beginning in June, Sourcewise will distribute check booklets worth $20 to eligible seniors in Santa Clara County. In addition, participants have the opportunity to speak with Sourcewise community resource specialists about support services and programs available in Santa Clara County.
“This is a great partnership with the federal government, which promotes health, wellness, and provides us with a unique opportunity to better serve the needs of seniors in Santa Clara County,” said Manuel Altamirano, chief operating officer at Sourcewise.
To deliver this program to those who need it most, Sourcewise is sponsoring enrollment events in Morgan Hill and San Jose.
The “Access to Nutrition” event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. June, 17, 2015 at the Morgan Hill Library patio. For more information on eligibility, please contact a Sourcewise Meals on Wheels program representative at (408) 557-3246 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Aneliza Del Pinal at (408) 557-4701 or [email protected].
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Cecelia Ponzini, the 2014 Woman of the Year, met Assemblyman Luis Alejo (D-Salinas) who visited her Cecelia’s Closet Saturday May 30. The nonprofit, part of the Edward Boss Prado Foundation, Cecelia’s Closet just celebrated its one-year anniversary. It provides Morgan Hill students with free clothing for job interviews. Those in need can also get a free bag of groceries there. The foundation also provides the “No Child Goes Unfed” program in which any Live Oak or Sobrato high school student who cannot afford a meal can simply stand in line and ask for one, she said. “It’s done with dignity,” she said. “No questions asked.” It also includes Share the Runway, which allows young girls to get free prom dresses and Prado on the Go Scholarships, which this year passed out $7,000 in awards to local students.
Ponzini also started the Walking with Dignity program, in which teachers at various Morgan Hill elementary schools identify a student in need of new shoes and a $50 gift card is given to the student’s parents, no questions asked.
Last year’s Woman of the Year keeps demonstrating the spirit of generosity.
